Terms Used In Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 ILCS 5/18-106

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Clerk of court: An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
     Upon the filing of the complaint, the clerk of court shall issue a summons, in like form, as near as may be, as summons in other civil cases. The summons shall be made returnable within a time designated by the plaintiff not less than 5 nor more than 30 days after the service of the summons. Every defendant who is served with summons shall answer or otherwise appear on or before the return day of the summons, unless the time for doing so is extended by the court. If the defendant fails to do so, judgment may be entered against the defendant. Reply to or motion directed against the answer may be filed by the plaintiff within 5 days after the last day allowed for the filing of the answer, unless the time for doing so is extended by the court.